The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you want to avoid any possible fees (or worse, delays), it's a good idea to make note of all the shipping deadlines for the season.
They tend to vary between USPS, FedEx and more, so to make it easier for you — and help you ensure that all your gifts make it on time this year — we created a handy guide with all the dates you need to know. Though delivery dates might not be guaranteed, there are a few options available to make sure you receive your order as early as possible.
Holiday shipping deadlines for 2025
Below, we're sharing a list of domestic shipping deadlines for the 2025 holiday season.
USPS holiday shipping deadlines 2025
The following dates are for packages sent within the Lower 48 (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) for expected delivery before Dec. 25 according to USPS.
Dec. 17: Last day to ship using ground service
Dec. 17: Last day to ship via First-Class Mail
Dec. 18: Last day to ship via Priority Mail
Dec. 20: Last day to ship via Priority Mail Express
UPS holiday shipping deadlines 2025
The following dates are suggestions to ensure delivery by Dec. 24.
Ground shipping: Calculate the exact date using the UPS website
Dec. 19: Last day to ship via UPS Three-Day Select
Dec. 22: Last Day to ship via UPS Second-Day Air
Dec. 23: Last Day to ship via UPS Next Day Air
FedEx holiday shipping deadlines 2025
The following dates are for domestic packages to ensure delivery by Dec. 24.
Dec. 11: FedEx Freight Economy (inclusive of FedEx Freight Direct)
Dec. 15: Last day to ship via FedEx Ground Economy
Dec. 17: Last day to ship via FedEx Five-Day Ground or FedEx Five-Day Home Delivery.
Dec. 18: Last day to ship via FedEx Four-Day Ground or FedEx Four-Day Home Delivery
Dec. 19: Last day to ship via FedEx Three-Day Ground or FedEx 3Day Freight
Dec. 20: Last day to ship via FedEx Express Saver
Dec. 22: Last day to ship via FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day AM
Dec. 23: Last day to ship via FedEx 1Day Freight, FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery, FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight or Extra Hours
Dec. 24: Packages can be sent via FedEx SameDay
Amazon holiday shipping deadlines 2025
Amazon notes whether an item will arrive before Christmas on individual product pages. Shoppers can look out for the shipping estimate that is displayed above the "Add to Cart" button to ensure timely delivery as the holidays get closer. Prime members can receive free one-day or two-day shipping and even same-day delivery on select qualifying items, so you should be able to place your order as late as Dec. 24, depending on what you're buying.
Target holiday shipping deadlines 2025
Target has a number of shipping options for shoppers. Items ordered with standard shipping are expected to arrive within three to five business days after the items have been shipped. Items ordered with two-day shipping should arrive within two days of being shipped. For eligible items, if you spend $35 or more or place your order using a RedCard, you can receive free two-day shipping. According to Target, if you place an order on a Thursday with two-day shipping, you can expect a Monday delivery, and orders placed on Fridays are expected to arrive on Tuesday. Orders placed via Target’s same-day delivery with Shipt before 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 can be delivered within one hour. (For Shipt members, deliveries on orders of $35 or more are free, or they're $9.99 for guests without a Shipt membership.)
You can also place a drive-up or pick-up order online or with the Target app as late as 3 p.m. local time Dec. 24, for same-day pickup.
Walmart deals and holiday shipping deadlines
Take advantage of Walmart’s two-day shipping, which is available on select items. According to Walmart, you'll want to purchase these items by 12:30 p.m. local time on Dec. 23 for delivery by Dec. 25. Make sure to double-check your items, as they could also qualify for same-day delivery.
For an extra $10, you can also take advantage of Walmart's express delivery and have your items delivered within two hours. Express delivery will run until 5 p.m. local time, Dec. 24. Or, you can shop via curbside pick-up. For this, you'll want to place your order by 12 p.m. local time on Dec. 24.
In case you're in need of some inspiration, we're sharing some of Shop TODAY's bestselling holiday gifts, which should arrive in time for your celebrations.
Bestselling holiday gifts of 2025
Looking for a simple stocking stuffer that everyone will appreciate? Bag Balm is the ultimate winter skin savior. The do-it-all formula can be used for everything from chapped lips to cracked hands and dry elbows.
For a gift that feels personalized, this luggage tag has been a popular pick among our readers this season. The gold metal buckle not only looks chic, but also ensures that it stays securely on their luggage. Select letters are available to arrive before Christmas.
This cool box takes the concept of a fidget toy and brings it to the next level. They can shift and move the magnetic pieces to form over 70 different shapes, from stars to stacked cubes and more. Depending on your location, this gift might arrive in time if you order quick.
You can never go wrong with jewelry! And this necklace looks far more expensive than it actually is. It features a stylish paperclip chain and heart and sun pendants.
With this glass pot, they can make large portions of teas, ciders, seasonal beverages and so much more. The clear design makes it the perfect serving vessel as well. According to the brand, it can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees F.
Le Creuset is a beloved kitchen brand and this cute mini cocotte is practically guaranteed to bring a smile to their face. They can use it to make single-serving meals, sweet treats and more.
Gift your little artist this fun drawing board. Even their simplest sketches will turn into magical masterpieces thanks to the glow of the board.
Anyone who appreciates a DIY project is bound to love this gift. Not only do they end up with a super cute, but they also get a fun craft. It comes with the tote, threads, a needle and instructions on how to embroider the pattern.
The busy mom or home cook who loves a hack will love this food-warming mat. It features three temperature settings and can be used to easily reheat pizza, thaw meats, keep entrees warm and more. According to Amazon, this gift is available to arrive in time for Christmas.
When it comes to gifts for kids, this interactive toy is one of the hottest picks of the season. It has sold out multiple times, but it is currently on sale at multiple retailers. The unique toy allows kids to hatch their own dinosaur and watch as it breaks free from its gooey egg home. After the hatching process, they can spend endless hours playing with the dino and training it. According to Walmart, this toy will arrive in time for Christmas.
Tips for getting packages on time
If you're behind on your shopping, don't wait too long to get started.
"Think twice if you're up against a shipping deadline and the package has to travel a long distance, too. The U.S. Postal Service states that mail traveling the longest distances is going to be most affected by its service changes," Katie Roberts, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, told Shop TODAY in an email.
Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, previously shared three pieces of advice that still ring true for shoppers hoping to receive their orders in time for Christmas: Shop early, opt for in-store pickup and embrace gift cards.
To avoid the possibility of delays, virtual or in-store pickup is a viable option for items that are in stock at your local store.
"Many retailers let you buy online and use in-store and/or curbside pickup, and these let you skip shipping costs altogether!" Roberts says. "And if it's not crucial for the package to arrive on a specific day? Forget it — go with the lowest-price delivery option and don't worry about shipping deadlines in those cases."
How we chose
To help ensure you get your gifts on time, we highlighted the shipping deadlines of some of the most popular shipping companies and retailers. We also included some of the bestselling gifts from our previous holiday coverage that should arrive before Dec. 25, according to the retailers.
Meet our experts
- Julie Ramhold is consumer analyst with DealNews.com.
- Katie Roberts is a consumer analyst with DealNews.com,
